Can Aspirin Prevent Cancer Metastasis? New Research Suggests It Might
Aspirin has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties, but new research suggests it may also play a crucial role in preventing cancer from metastasizing. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Cambridge, published in Nature, has revealed how aspirin may boost the immune system’s ability to fight off cancer cells that attempt to spread beyond their original tumor site.
In their mouse model of melanoma, researchers found that aspirin reduces the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2)—a molecule produced by platelets that suppresses immune T cells. By inhibiting TXA2, aspirin allows T cells to remain active, enabling them to target and destroy metastatic cancer cells before they form secondary tumors. This discovery is significant, as over 90% of cancer deaths occur due to metastasis, making prevention a critical goal in oncology.
One of the most striking aspects of this research is the identification of a "window of vulnerability" in cancer progression. Lead author Rahul Roychoudhuri, PhD, explains that when cancer cells first begin spreading, they may be uniquely susceptible to immune attack. This suggests that intervening early with aspirin or similar drugs could help eliminate these migrating cells before they establish secondary tumors. Further supporting this concept, previous studies identified 15 genes in mice that influence cancer metastasis, including ARHGEF1, which plays a role in suppressing immune function. The researchers discovered that this gene is activated by TXA2, linking platelet activity with immune suppression—a key pathway that aspirin disrupts.
With clinical trials in humans now underway, scientists hope to determine whether aspirin could be a low-cost, globally accessible treatment for preventing cancer recurrence. Dr. Ruth Langley, a professor of oncology at University College London, is leading the Add-Aspirin clinical trial to investigate whether aspirin can stop or delay the return of early-stage cancers...Read More
